The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced stringent rollout obligations for telecom operators ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction, signaling a firm regulatory push to ensure nationwide connectivity and service quality.
The PTA Chairman confirmed that bids for the 5G spectrum auction must be submitted by February 27, setting the stage for the country’s long-awaited transition to next-generation mobile services.
Key Rollout Obligations
Under the new framework, each telecom operator will be required to:
- Deploy 1,000 new sites annually
- Establish 200 additional sites specifically in areas experiencing network congestion or service issues
- Launch services in both urban and rural areas
- Begin initial 5G rollout in Islamabad and all provincial capitals
- Increase tower fiberization every year
- Submit a mandatory 5G coverage map to ensure transparency and compliance
The PTA emphasized that the conditions aim to prevent operators from focusing solely on high-revenue urban markets while neglecting underserved regions.
Spectrum Requirements and Cap
In the first round of the auction, operators will be required to acquire spectrum in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, widely regarded as optimal for 5G deployment due to their balance of coverage and capacity.
To maintain fair competition, the regulator has imposed a spectrum cap, ensuring that no single operator can purchase the entire available spectrum within a band. This move is intended to prevent monopolization and promote a competitive 5G ecosystem.
A Push for Balanced Growth
The PTA’s approach reflects a broader effort to combine technological advancement with infrastructure expansion and service equity. By tying spectrum acquisition to strict deployment obligations, the regulator aims to accelerate digital inclusion while ensuring measurable improvements in network performance.
The upcoming auction marks a critical milestone for Pakistan’s telecom sector as it prepares to join the global 5G landscape.
